MGA 1957 MGA Coupe

[SteveTR]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am restoring a 1960 TR3A and working hard for a June 7, 2009 finish date.

Well, I have fallen into a 1957 MGA Coupe in boxes and know very little about them. Can someone enlighten me on the difference between a 1500 and a 1600?

This is new unchartered territory and all assistance will be appreciated.

 

[bgbassplyr]

100

 

[bob67bgt]

Engine displacement,front disc brakes,parcel shelf?,parking and tail lamps,wiring harness, brake master resevoir,front fenders are different at parking lamps and color choices. Probably more but thats what hit me first. Bob...also chassis is different where the front brake flex lines attach.....

 

[SteveTR]

Thanks guys,

Now I can tell the difference between the guys from Charlotte and Monroe.

I knew about the disc brakes but appreciated the information Bob.

 

[bob67bgt]

Flat hood and curved domed hood, late 1500 had a 1600 style high starter trans with later style driveshaft and i think the 1500 had the spare tire sticking thru into the pass compartment and 1600 did not. Also the wheels are different. Probably more to add...Bob

 

[tony barnhill]

Forget about the engine differences....will you get all the windows - & I mean all of the glass & brightwork? If not, forget it! Several, several hundred dollars to replace - if you can find them! And we're not even talking about the weatherstripping for the windows & doors!

Will you get the exterior door handles....if not, expect to pay out, well, a special part of your anatomy for them!

Will you get the curved dash? Another forget about it except that I have one I'll sell you $350.00.

Oh, and a '57 is a 1500.

 

[bob67bgt]

Actually curved hoods started before the end of 1500 production and there was a different stamping on the inner fender wells sometime later in 1500's. i am not sure when the front frame extention changed. A different stamping was done to add a optional front sway bar. Also changes that went along with the trans change included a different shift tunnel which changed the carpet piece on the RH side.Bob

 

[billspohn]

Actually curved hoods started before the end of 1500 production and there was a different stamping on the inner fender wells sometime later in 1500's. i am not sure when the front frame extention changed. A different stamping was done to add a optional front sway bar. Also changes that went along with the trans change included a different shift tunnel which changed the carpet piece on the RH side.Bob

They did, but I think he'll find that a 1957 still has a low mount motor/trans and flatter bonnet - though neither matter a darn.

They make great drivers - restore it, convert to disc brakes, and if you like use an MGB motor (dead easy swap if you can find a 3 main MGB motor)

The comments about the flass and trim are correct - if they aren't there, it should affent the price considerably.

In many ways I prefer the coupes to the roadsters, especially for long trips. But then I am prejudiced having owned one for the last 30 years.